History of the Irish in Indianapolis

[1] Most of the Irish immigrants to Indianapolis settled originally on east coast cities, but gradually moved westward to find better employment opportunities.

With internal improvements seen as one way toward development in 1832, the Indianapolis newspaper Indiana Journal advertised for Irish workers to come work for the Wabash and Erie Canal, enticing them with $10 a month wages and cheap land.

The Mammoth Internal Improvement Act defined the expectation of several Irish workers being available to work on such projects as the Indiana Central Canal and the National Road.

[2] The 1840s saw the Irish begin to form small communities within the city, especially in the same poorer areas that free blacks resided.

During World War I the Irish would side with the city's German population in denouncing the Allies, due to their hatred of Great Britain.

On St. Patrick's Day, not only is there a parade, but the Indiana Central Canal is dyed green to celebrate the holiday.